LONGITUDINAL QUALITATIVE RESULTS FROM STAFF IMPLEMENTING MONTESSORI DURING THE PANDEMIC
2024

Montessori Approaches in Nursing Homes During COVID-19

Sample size: 168 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hilgeman Michelle, Kennedy Katherine, Mills Whitney, Snow A, Bishop Teddy, McIntosh Nathalie, Curyto Kimberly

Primary Institution: Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

Hypothesis

How did the implementation of Montessori approaches affect staff and resident experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conclusion

Montessori principles improved staff morale and resident wellbeing despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Supporting Evidence

  • Staff reported that COVID-19 precautions negatively impacted residents and staff morale.
  • Creative adaptations were made to implement Montessori methods despite restrictions.
  • Montessori principles were found to enhance advocacy for person-centered care.

Takeaway

This study shows that using Montessori methods in nursing homes helped staff and residents feel better during the tough times of COVID-19.

Methodology

Qualitative interviews and analysis informed by Normalization Process Theory were conducted with staff at various time points during the study.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from staff self-reporting and the variability in implementation across different sites.

Limitations

The study may be limited by variability in COVID-19 rates and the subjective nature of qualitative data.

Participant Demographics

Staff from eight Department of Veterans Affairs nursing homes participated.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0081

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